I personally enjoy to train the 2nd way but instead of doing 5 sets cut it to 3-4 and go to failure the last set with a fast pace the same way with no rest. The main benefit to me is that the failure set you will have to use way less weight and save your self some chances for injuries. Heart rate goes up as well the muscle don't know if the dumbbell said 50 or 120lbs as long as it fails but the 50lbs on a weekly basis for years on end damn sure make your elbows less sore than 120s. Although I am way less ambitious with my results or GOALS now days... I just enjoy to train and achieve a good pump! I get heart rate up burn some calories and fully break down the muscles. Dabbled in powerlifting for a while was fun but short lived
assuming he always trained that way.